At Bleak Hills, Liza is expected to deliver her child within days. Marya and the old prince conceal the news from her that Andrey is missing in action, although they both fear he is dead. The"little princess" is frightened and tense when her pains begin and relays of servants stand at the road waiting for the doctor. When the doctor arrives, Prince Andrey also emerges from the carriage; the men met at the train station. Princess Marya is struck by the strangely softened expression on her brother's face. Liza, however, does not realize the significance of Andrey's sudden appearance. Her frightened eyes seem only to reproach him for being unable to relieve her suffering. The birth is not going well; when the inhuman screams suddenly subside and the baby is heard crying, Andrey joyfully rushes into the room. His wife is dead. Her charming face expresses piteous reproach."I have done no harm to any one," she seems to say,"what have you done to me?" Something is torn out of Andrey's soul; he feels guilty of a crime he can neither expiate nor forget. The baby receives the name of Nikolay Andreitch and Princess Marya is godmother.
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